Idaho Hot Springs, Singletrack, & Map Giveaway

Maps are now available for Adventure Cycling Association’s Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route (IHSMBR). The brand-new, two-map set guides cyclists through the breathtaking landscape of central Idaho along a spectacular 518-mile off-pavement route, offering four substantial singletrack options and featuring access to more than 50 hot springs in the Gem State.

The first IHSMBR map section features the main, off-pavement route — a looped route that primarily follows dirt roads for 518 miles, with a few stretches of pavement in the mix. Cyclists planning a trip on the main route need only to have a basic understanding of mountain-bike riding technique. However, cyclists attempting any of the four singletrack options, featured on the second, supplementary map section, should know their own ability and prepare for challenging conditions. Some sections of the singletrack are expert-only riding (or hike-a-biking for those who aren’t experts).

The Singletrack Options Map features 228 miles of singletrack, which is a departure from anything we’ve offered before. Riders who choose to ride any of the four unique singletrack sections should be prepared to face river fordings, unmanicured trails, downed trees, and plenty of hike-a-bikes. This can be daunting to some, but for those seeking a true backcountry experience with epic views, primitive camping, and mountain biking, it can also be incredibly rewarding.

Hike-a-biking on the singletrack options

We know you're as excited as we are to get out and ride the IHSMBR this summer. For those who have never bikepacked mountainous singletrack before and are thinking about attempting these sections, Adventure Cycling Cartographer Casey Greene, creator of the route, recommends 5 ways to prepare for the singletrack:

Do some off-bike training before your trip

This can include hiking, running, climbing, backcountry skiing, or upper body strength training. The point is to mix it up and get you body used to different scenarios so when it's late in the day and you're faced with a 1000-foot, off-camber hike-a-bike, you’ll be able to make it to your planned destination.

Lower your mileage expectations

First, figure out the mileage you’re accomplishing on dirt roads in a day. Then, to be safe, cut that mileage in half, or even a third to plan your mileage for these singletrack options. It all depends on the conditions you encounter on the trail — the conditions will dictate how fast you can move. For instance, one week a trail might have tons of downed trees, the next it may be cleared.

Take it easy

Don’t kill yourself out there. If you’re red-lining it up a climb early in the day, you may run out of juice before making it to your destination, which could be a sweet hot spring. Consider hike-a-biking to save some energy, and take lots of breaks if you need to — especially to stop and enjoy the scenery.

Go as lightweight as possible

It’s pretty simple: The less weight you carry, the easier it is to carry that weight up mountains.

Bring extra food

Trail conditions may force you to be out longer than expected. It will ease your mind to bring an extra half-day's worth of snacks.

Rough trails, river fordings, and downed trees are some of the obstacles riders will face
on the singletrack options.

At this point, I hope I haven’t scared everybody away from attempting these singletrack options. They are hard, I’ll give you that, but they also travel through some of the most spectacular country I’ve ever pulled a bike through. Some of the descents are world class, as are some of the hot springs. I could go on and on about an awesome view here, or a good fishing hole there, but at the end of the day, I think it’s best to let everyone pick up some maps and go discover central Idaho for themselves. I don’t think you’ll regret it.

Post and photos by Casey Greene

To celebrate the release of our newest mountain-bike route, and our first-ever route featuring singletrack, we'll be giving away two complete IHSMBR mapsets this week. For a chance to win a mapset, simply comment on this blog post. We'll draw two winners at random on Friday. The winners will be contacted via email.

Facebook/Newsletter: Maps are now available for Adventure Cycling Association’s Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route. The brand-new two-map set guides cyclists through the breathtaking landscape of central Idaho along a spectacular 518-mile off-pavement route, offering four substantial singletrack options, and featuring access to more than 50 hot springs in the Gem State. http://bit.ly/idahohotsprings

Idaho, My home state! Some of the most wonderful mountain bike trails, paths, and views anywhere in the United States. I am thrilled to see this trail, and look forward to riding it someday. Thanks ACA for publishing these maps and route information.

Super stoked on the Idaho Hot Springs route! Going to ride it this summer, and I plan to bring my kids (elementary school age) on some of the easier terrain, then tackle a bit of single track on my own. Would be great to win a map... can't wait!

can't wait to ride this route and read about other's experiences along this route! with the ride Adventure Cycling reported on that went through the Frank Church/River of No Return area, Idaho is shaping up to have some epic multi day gravel grinding routes!

As a result of my accident last July I've spent the last 7 months relatively sedentary. I'm chomping at the bit to get out and enjoy the outdoors again after my upcoming surgery. This would be a great way to do it!

I have to say I appreciate the last note at the bottom about being prepared. Frustrating when people don't respect the area by not being prepared. Great photos and great write up. It made me want to go today.....

I SOOOO want to do this! I was lucky to visit a couple of Idaho's natural hot springs, several years ago, and they were amazing. I've wanted to go back,ever since. Bike touring, hot springs, ... throw in a few bottles of red wine and it has the makings of the perfect trip!!

SLC bikepacking group is all over it, and we would love to have a set of maps for our trip planning. We have 160 people in a meet-up group focused on bikepacking and bicycle touring -- mostly overnights as group activities. We might be the largest *loaded / overnight* bicycle touring group in the country?

May have been the first to buy them last night! Already arranged a month off work instead of an annual pay raise and plan to add the Magruder Corridor route and a side trip to ACA HQ for a bit of an epic. I have a friend who is coming along in September too so we could definitely use another set. Thanks Adventure Cycling!

Hey, I might actually get some use out of these soon! My re-entry into decent bike ownership is a rad little Haro Beasley SS (CroMoly, 650b, mech. disc brakes). Anyone wanna introduce a fella to singletrack?!

After 40+ years of road cycling, I've just started mountain biking and fat biking. I'm riding the UGRR route this year, but would love to see you provide maps for more dirt/off-road routes. And hot springs--yes!

Looking forward to another great bike packing adventure in Idaho. Bike packing the Great Allegheny mountain with my eleven year old son was the best vacation ive ever had. Can't wait to see the hot springs!

I cannot wait to get my hand on a set of the maps. I've toured through Idaho several times and have long wished for an off road route, so this is now on the front burner of my summer plans! Please, please, pick me to give a set of maps to!!! Please!

Yeah! Finally! Thank you so much! As a youngin', I have been fortunate enough to hike to many of the places on this route. When I got my first Mt Bike, 33 years ago in Hailey Idaho, we use to ride way out Warm Springs to Frenchman's Bend, soak and ride back. I believe now that these areas will be protected by the members of our group and shared with love for many generations to come. I am so excited with the anticipation of ridding the route and having access to the correct information is the biggest bonus of all. Thank you for such a wonderful undertaking and then sharing it for all of us to enjoy.